meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Gigaproject spending finds a level

29 November 2024

 

By the end of October 2024, there had been $17bn of contract awards across Saudi Arabia’s five gigaprojects, according to regional projects tracker MEED Projects, up from the $16bn recorded during the same period in 2023. 

The five official gigaprojects named by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud are: Diriyah, Neom, Qiddiya, Roshn and the projects being developed by Red Sea Global.

While the growth in awards on these schemes in 2024 is positive, the pace of activity falls short of the strong growth that was expected as the gigaprojects move into the delivery phase. 

The highlights for 2024 have been a $4.7bn contract to build dams at the Trojena mountain resort that was won by Italy’s WeBuild, a $2bn contract won by a joint venture (JV) of local firm Albawani and Qatar’s Urbacon Trading & Contracting for the construction of assets in the Wadi Safar development of the Diriyah project in Riyadh, and a $1bn contract secured by a JV of Spanish firm FCC Construction and local firm Nesma & Partners to build the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium at the Qiddiya City project on the outskirts of Riyadh.

These awards appear to confirm the consensus in Saudi Arabia that the focus for development is on projects underpinned by events. These are Trojena, which will host the Asian Winter Games in 2029; stadiums for the Asian Cup in 2027 and the Fifa World Cup in 2034; along with Expo 2030 Riyadh and the Asian Games in 2034. 

There is also a view that projects in and around Riyadh are being prioritised ahead of schemes in remote areas. 

The stabilisation of activity in 2024, rather than the expected growth, combined with the intermittent nature of contract awards, has led to concerns about the prospects for the future of the market. 

The concerns peaked when no contract awards were recorded in August on any of the five official gigaprojects, but were abated when there were several high-profile awards in September and October, most notably the Qiddiya stadium deal.

The Line

The most scruntinised project in 2024 has been The Line at Neom. 

Since January, there have been reports about how the delivery of The Line will be phased, as well as rephasing exercises for other projects as budgets came under strain. Neom effectively confirmed these reports in November, when it said it is focused on the initial phases of infrastructure and enabling works for the new city. 

Neom commented on the next phase of the project when it replaced CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr with Aiman Al-Mudaifer as acting CEO, saying: “As Neom enters a new phase of delivery, this new leadership will ensure operational continuity, agility and efficiency to match the overall vision and objectives of the project.” 

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/13025339/main.gif
Colin Foreman

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Jordan starts international stadium construction works

    18 June 2026

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Jordan has started preliminary excavation and site preparation work at its Al-Hussein Bin Abdullah II International Stadium, located east of the capital city of Amman.

    The project is part of the first phase of the Amra City development master plan.

    The development is being implemented by Jordan Cities & Facilities Development Company, a Jordan Investment Fund-owned company.

    The main works are expected to begin early next year, with the stadium slated for completion in 2029.

    The project will cover an area of about 1 million square metres and the stadium will have a capacity of 50,000 spectators.

    The stadium is being built within the Amra City development, which is located about 40 kilometres (km) from downtown Amman and 35km from Zarqa City and Queen Alia International airport.

    The project forms part of Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) 2023-25.

    The EMV – Amman’s flagship reform programme – aims to increase real income per capita by an average of 3% annually, create 1 million jobs, and more than double the country’s GDP over the next decade.

    The strategy envisages a leading role for the private sector, which is expected to account for 73% of the estimated $58.8bn investment required.

    To achieve these targets, a substantial pipeline of public-private partnership (PPP) projects is planned in sectors including water desalination, school construction, clean energy, green hydrogen, transport and road infrastructure.

    Last year, the PPP unit at the Investment Ministry said it was targeting seven key PPP projects in 2025.

    READ THE JUNE 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    GCC looks beyond the Strait; Iraq’s reform window narrows as fiscal assumptions shatter; MEED Top 100 companies.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the June 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17325757/main.png
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Chinese firms win $506m Saudi housing project deals

    18 June 2026

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Saudi Arabia’s Municipalities & Housing Ministry has awarded contracts worth over SR1.9bn ($506m) to Chinese contractors for two residential developments in the kingdom.

    The first contract has been awarded to China Architectural Construction Corporation for the construction of 2,010 housing units at the Al-Ruba residential project in Riyadh. The contract value is SR875m ($233m).

    The other contract has been awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation for the Al-Rasha Al-Faisaliah residential project in Dammam. The project comprises 2,426 housing units, and the contract value is over SR1bn ($266m).

    The contracts were announced during the official visit of Majed Al-Hogail, Saudi Municipalities & Housing Minister, to China, where he also signed six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Saudi and Chinese firms. The MoUs aim to accelerate housing development, localise advanced construction technologies and enhance public-private sector collaboration.

    MEED reported in 2020 that Riyadh planned to oversee the development of more than 1 million homes by 2025 to meet growing demand in the kingdom.

    By 2030, the Saudi capital aims to more than double its population, from 7-8 million to 15-20 million, and to become one of the 10 wealthiest cities in the world.

    READ THE JUNE 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    GCC looks beyond the Strait; Iraq’s reform window narrows as fiscal assumptions shatter; MEED Top 100 companies.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the June 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17322994/main.png
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Diriyah awards $727m Waldorf Astoria superblock deal

    17 June 2026

     

    Saudi gigaproject developer Diriyah Company has awarded a SR2.7bn ($727m) contract for the main construction works on the development’s Waldorf Astoria superblock.

    The contract was awarded to the joint venture of Hassan Allam Construction Saudi and UCC Saudi, the local branch of Qatar’s Urbacon Holding.

    The Waldorf Astoria superblock is a mixed-use development comprising a Waldorf Astoria hotel, Waldorf Astoria-branded residences, commercial and residential facilities, and office space.

    The Waldorf Astoria hotel will feature 200 keys, while the residential component will comprise 47 branded residences.

    The project is located on the Grand Boulevard South and Northern Arterial Road in the Boulevard Northwestern district at Diriyah Gate 2. 

    Diriyah Company tendered the contract in November last year, with submissions due in January, as MEED reported.

    Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are delighted to announce this latest major construction contract for the Waldorf Astoria superblock as we continue to progress at pace across the Diriyah development area. The Waldorf Astoria will be a world-class addition to our growing portfolio of globally renowned hospitality brands, further strengthening Diriyah’s appeal as a globally significant destination that offers world-class hospitality and lifestyle experiences.

    “Together with our partners, we look forward to delivering another landmark development that supports the kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions and contributes to the continued growth and success of Diriyah.”

    Hassan Allam, chairman and CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, said: “We are proud to support the development of one of the kingdom’s most ambitious and transformative destinations and to continue our partnership with Diriyah Company in bringing its vision to life.

    “Drawing on more than 90 years of experience across the Mena region, we remain committed to delivering the highest standards of quality and excellence on landmark projects that are helping shape the kingdom’s future.”

    Ramez Al-Khayyat, UCC Holding president and group CEO, said: “Being awarded this contract by Diriyah Company marks another important milestone in our growing partnership and reinforces our shared commitment to delivering world-class developments across the kingdom. This project builds on our ongoing collaboration in Diriyah, including the delivery of four luxury hotels and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club in Wadi Safar.

    “We value the opportunity to contribute once again to one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious and prestigious urban development destinations, supporting the vision of creating a world-class cultural, hospitality and lifestyle hub.”

    The latest award follows Diriyah Company’s award of an estimated SR730m ($195m) construction contract for civic quarter buildings within the Diriyah development to local contractor Al-Rashid Trading & Contracting Company (RTCC).

    In April, Diriyah announced a SR1.84bn ($490m) construction contract to build the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) within the Diriyah development. The contract was awarded to a consortium of Egyptian contractor Hassan Allam Construction Saudi and Saudi Arabia’s Albawani.

    In March, Diriyah Company awarded an estimated SR2.5bn ($666m) contract to build the Pendry superblock in the DG2 area.

    The Pendry superblock includes the construction of the Pendry Hotel alongside residential and commercial assets. The package will cover 75,365 square metres and is located in the northwestern district of the DG2 area.

    The previous month, Diriyah Company also awarded a SR717m ($192m) contract for the construction of the One Hotel, located in the Diriyah Two area of the masterplan, with a gross floor area of more than 31,000 sq m.

    The Diriyah masterplan envisages the city as a cultural and lifestyle tourism destination. Located northwest of Riyadh’s city centre, it will cover 14 square kilometres and combine 300 years of history, culture and heritage with hospitality facilities.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17287718/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • AHS Properties acquires Shangri-La hotel for $300m

    17 June 2026

    Dubai-based real estate developer AHS Properties has announced the acquisition of the Shangri-La hotel for AED1.1bn ($300m), marking one of the largest single-asset real estate transactions in recent years.

    AHS Properties acquired the hotel from local firm Mismak Asset Management.

    The Shangri-La Hotel is a 43-storey, 200-metre tower located on Sheikh Zayed Road. Completed in 2003, it was among the first five-star hotels to open along the corridor.

    The acquisition expands AHS Properties’ portfolio, which includes AHS Tower, a Grade A commercial development on Sheikh Zayed Road, and AHS City, the company’s master-planned mixed-use community on the same corridor.

    In a statement, AHS Properties said that AHS Tower, AHS City and the Shangri-La hotel form a strategic “vertical corridor” platform, representing a significant portion of the company’s AED50bn development pipeline through the end of 2026.

    “The transaction reflects AHS Properties’ strategy of deploying capital into high-quality, supply-constrained assets,” the statement added.

    According to the Dubai Land Department, Dubai’s real estate sector recorded AED252bn in transactions in Q1 2026.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17310101/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • UAE moves to clear the path for recovery

    17 June 2026

    Commentary
    Colin Foreman
    Editor

    More than three months after the conflict began to disrupt business across the Gulf, the UAE is moving to resolve the technical challenges that the economy faces as it shifts towards recovery.

    The insurance gap has been a key obstacle to the recovery of aviation and tourism. Several countries continue to maintain advisories against travel to the Gulf, making it difficult or impossible for visitors to obtain conventional cover for trips to or through the region. The concern is twofold: one, becoming stranded should hostilities resume, and two, not being able to secure medical insurance. Both Emirates and Etihad have now moved to address that directly, offering insurance to passengers flying to or through their respective home hubs. The Etihad scheme, backed by DCT Abu Dhabi and underwritten by Daman, will run from July to December and covers eligible visitors for up to 15 days.

    The second area of concern is real estate. Anecdotally, buyers in sectors economically exposed to the conflict have found it increasingly difficult to obtain mortgage financing, a problem that has become especially acute at the point of handover. The recently signed partnership between Dubai Holding Real Estate and Commercial Bank of Dubai is designed to ease that pressure. The programme opens financing from the 30% construction stage once buyers have met a 50% payment threshold, giving purchasers earlier visibility of their borrowing capacity and reducing uncertainty during the off-plan purchase process.

    Taken together, the two initiatives show that the UAE is proactively addressing the technical hurdles as and when they arise. As the recovery gathers momentum, more challenges will surface. The capacity and willingness to address them as they emerge will be crucial to a meaningful recovery.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17306586/main.jpg
    Colin Foreman